Usually manufactured as a mixture of 3 isomers, DNB is used to make dyes, explosives, celluloids, and organic chemicals; [ACGIH]

Comments

Methemoglobinemia, liver injury, and visual impairment have been reported in exposed workers. Listed in table of "Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is the Principal Cause of Toxicity"; [ACGIH] m-Dinitrobenzene was elliminated from in vitro testing after little response was detected, even at high concentrations. [French CL et al. Potency ranking of methemoglobin-forming agents. J Appl Toxicol. 15(3):167-74 (1995).]; An eye and respiratory tract irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia and have effects on the liver; [ICSC]

Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]

Skin Designation (ACGIH)

Yes

TLV (ACGIH)

1 mg/m3

PEL (OSHA)

1 mg/m3

IDLH (NIOSH)

50 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: The probable lethal oral dose has been reported to be 2 grams [Deichmann and Gerarde 1969]. [Note: An oral dose of 2 grams is equivalent to a worker being exposed to about 1,300 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.]

Category

Description

Pale-white or yellow, crystalline solid; [NIOSH]

Sources/Uses

Usually manufactured as a mixture of 3 isomers, DNB is used to make dyes, explosives, celluloids, and organic chemicals; [ACGIH]

Comments

Methemoglobinemia, liver injury, and visual impairment have been reported in exposed workers. Listed in table of "Industrial Chemicals for Which Methemoglobin Formation is the Principal Cause of Toxicity"; [ACGIH] m-Dinitrobenzene was elliminated from in vitro testing after little response was detected, even at high concentrations. [French CL et al. Potency ranking of methemoglobin-forming agents. J Appl Toxicol. 15(3):167-74 (1995).]; An eye and respiratory tract irritant; Can induce methemoglobinemia and have effects on the liver; [ICSC]

Reference Link

Exposure Assessment

BEI

Methemoglobin in blood = 1.5% of hemoglobin during or at end of shift. [ACGIH]

Skin Designation (ACGIH)

Yes

TLV (ACGIH)

1 mg/m3

PEL (OSHA)

1 mg/m3

IDLH (NIOSH)

50 mg/m3

Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs

Human data: The probable lethal oral dose has been reported to be 2 grams [Deichmann and Gerarde 1969]. [Note: An oral dose of 2 grams is equivalent to a worker being exposed to about 1,300 mg/m3 for 30 minutes, assuming a breathing rate of 50 liters per minute and 100% absorption.]